The heart of Holland comes alive in the downtown district where shopping, dining, culture and social life converge. The downtown social district invites visitors to stroll with beverages in hand while enjoying open-air dining and live entertainment along heated streets that stay snow-free through winter. The Holland Ice Park at Window on the Waterfront features a skating pond, 700-foot skating ribbon, curling sheet and gathering spaces for all-season recreation. Whether it’s browsing boutiques in summer, savoring fall festivals or taking in the glow of winter lights, downtown Holland captures the lively, welcoming spirit that makes the city such an exceptional place to live.
Nearby, the sugar-sand beaches of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa await at Holland State Park. Locals enjoy swimming, sunbathing and water sports at this waterfront park, as well as visiting the “Big Red” Lighthouse. Wildlife viewing is easy at the Outdoor Discovery Center, a 155-acre nature preserve with hiking trails.
Windmill Island Gardens is a stunning sight for locals and visitors alike. It is home to “De Zwaan,” an authentic 250-year-old Dutch windmill that was brought from the Netherlands. Other sights include its canals, dikes and thousands of tulips during the spring season. The local theme park, Nelis’ Dutch Village, stands out with Dutch-inspired waterways, gardens and klompen (wooden shoe) dancing. Holland celebrates its Dutch roots every year with the annual Tulip Time Festival.
Lakeside dining is available every day at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, while Crazy Horse Steakhouse serves up mouth-watering steaks in a woodsy, playful atmosphere. For a casual bite, Seventy-Six features American dishes and cocktails. Salt & Pepper Savory Grille and Pub, Wooden Shoe and Big Lake Brewing are popular choices as well.
As an industrial hub in West Michigan, Holland boasts headquarters for several brands including Herman Miller, Haworth and United Manufacturing. Holland is served by West Ottawa public schools and showcases faith-based education at Hope College.
A focus on cultural heritage and robust greenspaces make Holland a distinctive and appealing place to call home.
